Beverage preparation device having a discharge device

Abstract

A beverage preparation machine for delivering a coffee beverage comprises a water heater, an extracting device capable of delivering hot water from the water heater, and a dispensing device connected to the extracting device via a hot beverage pipe, the beverage preparation machine further comprising at least one dispensing head fixable to the dispensing device for delivering each beverage component guided to the dispensing device via a respective separate hood pipe, the dispensing device having a mechanical interface for sealingly connecting the dispensing head.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, in particular for delivering a coffee beverage, which comprises a water heater, an extraction device capable of delivering hot water from the water heater, and a discharge device connected to the extraction device via a hot beverage line. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, automatic coffee machines are known which are used to prepare and dispense coffee-based beverages in portions, where the beverage selection is carried out via a user interface. After the beverage variant has been selected, the coffee beverage is prepared according to the user's specifications by an integrated brewing device and dispensed to a beverage dispenser. In addition to the aforementioned hot beverage dispenser, dispensers for other beverage ingredients such as milk, milk foam or flavor additives are often provided. The dispensers may be grouped together in a dispenser head which is fixedly arranged in the automatic coffee machine.

[0003] Additionally, so-called portafilter devices are known in the prior art, in which a portafilter having a discharge part attached thereto instead of a discharge head is hermetically fixed, the portafilter is manually filled with ground coffee and fixed in the portafilter device, and hot water is poured under pressure by the portafilter device until a certain amount of hot water passes through the coffee filter contained in the portafilter and the coffee grounds therein, and each other beverage additive is manually added to the coffee beverage by the barista.

[0004] Finally, hybrid systems are also known, which also use a portafilter, which is automatically filled with ground coffee from an integrated coffee mill. A hybrid coffee maker of this kind is described, for example, in WO 2010 / 085850 A1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO2010 / 085850A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation machine that combines the advantages of a fully automatic coffee maker with those of a portafilter device, taking into account that the dispensing head is replaceable and easy to clean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments result from the respective dependent claims.

[0008] In a beverage preparation machine of the type mentioned at the beginning, the invention provides that the beverage preparation machine has at least one discharge head for supplying one or more beverage components, which can be fixed to a discharge device and is guided to the discharge device via respective separate hood pipes, and which is provided with a mechanical interface for sealingly connecting to the discharge head.

[0009] The discharge head comprises a discharge part for a freshly brewed hot beverage, for example coffee, and, if necessary, discharge parts for other beverage ingredients, for example milk, milk foam or flavour additives. The mechanical interface for the connection of the discharge head allows easy removal for cleaning or for replacing the discharge head. The discharge head can in particular be configured to have an external shape similar to a portafilter, but with a closed sealing surface formed on the upper surface of the discharge head, except for the connection ports. The configuration of the discharge head in the shape of a portafilter allows easy and intuitive operation and gives the impression and appeal of a professional barista machine.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interface comprises a linear guide for inserting the dispensing head, which allows the dispensing head to be easily inserted into the guide, for example from the front, and then pulled out for replacement or cleaning.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the mechanical interface comprises an operating lever which is adapted to press the discharge head against a sealing surface of the discharge device, on which connection points are provided, via a pressing mechanism. The discharge head can thus be sealingly connected to or disconnected from the discharge device via the operating lever. A fluid connection is obtained between the outlets provided on the discharge head and the hood tubes guided in the discharge device via the respective connection points. The connection by pressing against the sealing surface allows an easy and secure connection between the discharge head and the discharge device. In combination with the aforementioned linear guide, a particularly easy operation is obtained by connecting and locking the discharge head to the discharge device using the operating lever after inserting the discharge head into the guide.

[0012] Instead of a pressing mechanism, it is also possible to provide a motor which moves the discharge head relative to the discharge device in order to press the discharge head against the sealing surface of the discharge device when an operating element, such as an operating lever, is activated. In yet another embodiment, the mechanical interface can have, instead of a linear guide and a pressure mechanism, other fastening means, especially in the form of a rotational fastening means, such as a bayonet lock.

[0013] Within the scope of the present invention, it is possible in particular for the mechanical interface to have a number of connections for different beverage components, which are in communication with the hood tube and to which the discharge head is sealingly connected, whereby the discharge head can in particular have a sealing surface with corresponding openings for some (or all) of the connections, which in the connected state of the discharge head fluid-tightly closes the remaining connections, i.e. not used by the discharge head. It is thus possible in particular for the discharge head not to be able to dispense all the beverage components offered by the discharge device. The beverage variations that can be dispensed are thus preselected by selecting the discharge head connected to the discharge device. For example, separate discharge heads can be provided for dispensing espresso into one cup (single outlet), for dispensing espresso into two cups simultaneously (double outlet) or for dispensing cappuccino and latte macchiato.

[0014] Preferably, each of the connection ports in the discharge device is provided with a seal which seals against the associated sealing surface of the discharge head or seals the corresponding connection port if not employed by the discharge head.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge device comprises a heater for heating the discharge device and the discharge head connected to the discharge device, so that each hot beverage is delivered via a preheated discharge device and a preheated discharge head, and thus the hot beverage does not cool on the way to the drinking container, whereby the thermal connection of the discharge head can be effected via a sealing surface of the discharge head, which can in particular be made of metal, for example cast aluminum.

[0016] In order to facilitate the exchange of the connection head, the present invention provides in another preferred embodiment that the dispensing head is provided with an identifier identifying each type of beverage that can be dispensed through the dispensing head, the dispensing device having a reader for reading the identifier. The identifier can in particular be a contactless readable identifier, such as an RFID tag, an NFC chip, etc. It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide the dispensing head with an optically or magnetically readable code as identifier. Furthermore, mechanical coding, for example with pins or protrusions of different lengths, and mechanical scanning of the length of the pins in the dispensing device are also possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] Within the scope of the present invention, the dispenser heads are provided to be exchangeable. In particular, it is possible to provide different dispenser heads for different beverages or groups of beverages, which can be selectively coupled to the dispenser. By means of the identifiers of the different dispenser heads and a reader arranged on the dispenser, it is possible to automatically detect the type of dispenser head currently coupled in the beverage preparation machine and to present for selection only the beverages or beverage variations which can be dispensed by the currently coupled dispenser head.

[0018] For this purpose, the beverage preparation machine preferably has a control means and a user interface, in particular a graphic user interface, connected to the control means by signal technology. Various beverages or beverage variants can be selected via the user interface. The control means is then configured to automatically prepare and dispense the selected beverage or selected beverage variant by the beverage preparation machine and to control the beverage preparation machine accordingly. The control cooperates with the reader in such a way that only beverages and beverage variants that can be dispensed by the associated dispenser head can be selected via the graphic user interface according to the identifiers read by the reader. This makes it possible to use various dispenser heads for various beverages or beverage groups, whereby a possible preselection of the beverage is controlled by automatic detection of the currently used dispenser head.

[0019] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a beverage preparation device having a dispenser and a dispenser head connected to the dispenser. [Diagram 2] Beverage preparation device according to FIG. 1, with the dispensing head removed [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the beverage preparation device with the dispenser head removed; [Figure 3b] Detail of the discharge device of FIG. 3a [Figure 4] Beverage preparation machine having three alternatively usable dispense heads [Diagram 5] Water flow mechanism of beverage preparation device DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In Fig. 1 a beverage preparation device in the form of an automatic coffee maker is shown. On the front side of the automatic coffee maker a discharge device 2 is provided with a receptacle for a discharge head 3. Above the discharge device 2 a graphic user interface 4 in the form of a touch-sensitive display is arranged. Next to the graphic user interface an operating lever 5 is provided which serves to lock or unlock the discharge head received in the receptacle of the outlet 2. Below the discharge device 2 a tray 7 with a drip screen 6 is arranged. On the drip screen 6 below the discharge head 3 a drinking vessel 8 for example is arranged, into which the hot beverage provided by the automatic coffee maker 1 is poured.

[0022] A container 9 for coffee beans is shown in the upper area of ​​the automatic coffee maker 1. The automatic coffee maker has an integrated mill with which the coffee beans are ground into portions and charged into an integrated brewing device for preparing a coffee drink.

[0023] The function of the illustrated beverage preparation device corresponds to that of a conventional fully automatic coffee maker. The beverage variants displayed in the form of pictograms on the touch-sensitive display 4 are selected and, if necessary, the preparation and dispensing of the selected beverage is carried out automatically once a corresponding start symbol is activated. Only the beverage variants which can be dispensed by the dispenser head 3 inserted here can be selected via the graphic user interface 4.

[0024] 2 the fully automatic coffee maker 1 is shown with the discharge head 3 removed. For this purpose the operating lever 5 has been slid forward to unlock the discharge head 3, which has been pulled forward out of the guide 2a of the discharge device 2.

[0025] The dispensing head 3 is constructed similarly to a conventional portafilter and comprises a carrier 3a provided with a grip 3b. The upper surface of the carrier 3a is formed with a circular sealing surface 10 in which, in the illustrated embodiment, two openings 11a, 11b are arranged, which correspond to respective outlets 12a, 12b on the lower surface of the dispensing head. Via the openings 11a, 11b and the associated outlets 12a, 12b, the beverage ingredients can be dispensed through the dispensing device.

[0026] In Fig. 3a the fully automatic coffee maker is shown obliquely from below, looking into the receptacle 2b of the discharge device 2, into which the discharge head can be inserted. Laterally inwardly projecting extensions on the underside of the discharge device 2 form the linear guide 2a for the discharge head 3. On the upper side of the receptacle 2b there are provided a total of seven outlets 13a to 13g for the various beverage components which can be delivered via the discharge device 2, which are shown enlarged in the detailed view of Fig. 3b. Around each of the outlets 13a to 13g there is formed a sealing surface 14 which corresponds to the sealing surface 10 of the discharge head 3. Furthermore, around each of the outlets 13a to 13g there is provided a respective ring seal which seals against the sealing surface 10 of the inserted discharge head of the outlet 13a to 13g. The central outlet 13a delivers freshly brewed coffee, outlet 13b is for milk and milk foam, and the remaining outlets 13c to 13g are for other beverage additives.

[0027] The function of the operating lever 5 is to press the discharge head 3 inserted in the receiving part 2b against the sealing surface 14 of the discharge device 2 by means of a corresponding pressing mechanism, e.g. a lever mechanism or a rack with a pinion, and thus hermetically connect the discharge head 3 to the discharge device and to the respective outlets 13a to 13g of the discharge device. Alternatively, a motor-driven drive unit can be provided which, when activated (e.g. via the operating lever 5 as shown in the figures), presses the discharge head against the sealing surface 14 of the discharge device 2. Naturally, the operating direction shown in the figures may also be reversed, i.e. locking the discharge head in a vertical position and in a forwardly slid position.

[0028] In the embodiment, only two of the outlets 13a to 13g, i.e. outlets 13a and 13b, are connected to the outlets 12a, 12b at the sealing surface 10 of the discharge head via the associated openings 11a, 11b. The remaining outlets 13c to 13g are fluid-tightly closed by the sealing surface 10 of the discharge head 3. Therefore, no delivery can be effected via the outlets 13c to 13g which are thus closed, and therefore the associated beverage ingredients cannot be delivered or utilized when the discharge head 3 is used.

[0029] In FIG. 4 the fully automatic coffee maker 1 is shown with three alternately usable discharge heads 3, 3', 3". In the case of the discharge head 3' only one opening 11a is provided in the sealing surface 10. This allows a double outlet 12 of two espresso cups to be carried out. It is thus possible to prepare espresso with the discharge head 3' and dispense it into two cups simultaneously. In contrast, other selection possibilities, such as, for example, drinks with milk or milk foam, are blocked in the user interface 4 and the corresponding pictograms are not displayed at all or are greyed out.

[0030] In the case of the discharge head 3", for example, four outlets 11a, 11b, 11d and 11g are provided, which correspond to corresponding openings 12a, 12b, 12d and 12g. It is thus possible to dispense and mix a total of four different beverage components using the discharge head, e.g. a coffee beverage with milk foam as well as additional liquid flavour additives.

[0031] In Fig. 5 a hydraulic circuit in the form of a water flow mechanism is shown which can be installed in the automatic coffee maker. The circuit comprises a water heater 20 which is connected to a brewing device 21 via conduits 22, 22'. On the discharge side the brewing device 21 is connected to a discharge device 2 via a discharge conduit 24. The brewing device is a conventional brewing assembly in an automatic coffee maker. Brewing assemblies which can be used within the scope of the present invention are described for example in EP 2 561 778 A1, to which full reference is made here in order to avoid unnecessary repetition. The amount of water guided through the brewing chamber is proportioned by a flowmeter 28. Hot water from the water heater 20 is supplied via a water pump 29 connected on the inlet side.

[0032] The water flow arrangement further includes a milk arrangement. It comprises a refrigerator 30 with a milk container 31, a milk pump 32 connected to the milk container 31 via an outlet line, and a counter pressure element 34 connected to the milk pump 32 on the pressure side, here configured as a spiral mixer. Alternatively, a pressure hose with a simple orifice or a reduced feed diameter can be used as the counter pressure element 34. Furthermore, an air intake line 35 with an air valve 36 opens into the suction line 33. The air valve 36 is configured here as a clock-controlled, i.e. intermittently opened, solenoid valve. The counter pressure element 34 and the air valve 36 serve to froth the milk in a manner known per se. A corresponding milk arrangement is described in EP 3021037 A1, to which full reference is made here in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0033] From the pressure boost element 34 a milk conduit 37 leads to a changeover valve 38 by means of which the milk or milk foam delivered by the milk pump 32 can be selectively delivered via a thermoblock 39 or directly to the delivery device 2. Correspondingly, it is possible to deliver via the milk mechanism and the delivery device 2 either hot or cold milk (air valve closed) or hot or cold milk foam (air valve clocked open or closed).

[0034] Finally, a device 40 for supplying further beverage ingredients, such as, for example, a syrup-like flavouring, in the water flow system is shown. The device 40 here comprises a storage container 41 for the flavouring and a dispensing pump 42 which supplies the flavouring to the discharge device 2 via a hood pipe 43. The device 40 here is shown only by way of example. It is possible to provide further devices for the other beverage ingredients which are the same or similar and which are connected to the discharge device via separate hood pipes. A corresponding syrup station which can be used within the scope of the present invention is described in EP 2 030 538 A1, to which full reference is made here in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0035] The milk refrigerator 30 and the syrup station 40 are typically constructed as separate devices, each of which is installed adjacent to the beverage preparation machine as an add-on device or mounted under the counter, and connected to the beverage preparation machine and the dispensing device 2 via respective hood pipes that are guided externally.

[0036] The discharge device 2 thus has three beverage supply conduits in the illustrated embodiment, namely the hot beverage pipe 24, the conduit 37' for milk or milk foam and the food pipe 43 for liquid flavour additives. Connected to the discharge device 2 is a discharge head 3 of the above-mentioned structure. The discharge head has three discharge parts 12a, 12b, 12c which are connected in fluid communication with the above-mentioned food pipes 24, 37', 43 via the discharge device 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the discharge device 2 has a heater 25, which can be used to preheat not only the discharge device 2 but also the discharge head 3 connected to the discharge device. This prevents the hot beverage from cooling down when it is dispensed. The heating of the discharge head 3 is performed via the contact surface between the discharge head 3 and the discharge device 2.

[0038] 5 further shows diagrammatically that an RFID tag 26 is attached to the discharge head 3, which can be read by an RFID reader 27 provided in the discharge device. Via the RFID tag 26, the discharge head and the respective beverage components deliverable from it can be identified, so that via corresponding controls in the beverage preparation machine, only the respective beverages and beverage variations deliverable by the relevant discharge head 3 are available and displayed for selection in the user interface of the beverage preparation machine. By exchanging the discharge head, different beverage variations can thus be provided.

[0039] Finally, a second steam dispenser 50 is further shown in the water flow system, which provides hot water and steam for rinsing and cleaning purposes. Steam can be provided, for example, via a steam conduit 51 and a steam lance 52 of conventional construction. For reasons of clarity, such a steam lance is not shown in the beverage preparation machine illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, but it can be arranged next to the dispenser 2 in a known manner.

[0040] Furthermore, steam can also be conducted via steam introduction means 51' to the discharge device 2, where it can be used for reheating milk or milk foam. Likewise, the rinsing conduits and the rinsing and draining valves shown in the figures for the sake of completeness are generally known to the person skilled in the art and do not require a detailed description here. They are described in detail, for example, in EP 2 583 596 A1, to which full reference is made here in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Claims

1. A beverage preparation device comprising a water heater (20), an extraction device (21) for supplying hot water from the water heater (20), and a discharge device (2) connected to the extraction device (21) via a hot beverage pipe (24), a dispensing head (3) fixable to at least one of said dispensing devices (2) for supplying one or more beverage ingredients guided to said dispensing device (2) via respective separate hood pipes (24, 37', 43), said dispensing device (2) having mechanical interfaces (2a, 2b, 5) for sealingly connecting said dispensing heads (3, 3', 3"), 1. The beverage preparation device according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical interface comprises a plurality of connection points (13a-13g) for various beverage ingredients to which the discharge head (3, 3', 3") is sealingly connected, the discharge head (3, 3', 3") having a sealing surface (10) with openings (11a, 11b, 11d, 11g) corresponding to some (13a, 13b, 13d, 13g) of the connection points (13a-13g), the sealing surface (10) fluid-tightly closing the remaining connection points (13c, 13e, 13f) when the discharge head (3, 3', 3") is connected.

2. 2. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical interface comprises a linear guide (2a) for inserting the dispensing head (3, 3', 3'').

3. 3. The beverage preparation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical interface comprises an operating lever (5) configured to press the discharge head (3, 3', 3") via a pressing mechanism against a sealing surface (14) of the discharge device (2) on which the connection points (13a-13g) are provided.

4. 3. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical interface comprises a motor configured to be actuated via an operating element and, upon actuation, to press the discharge head (3, 3', 3") against a sealing surface (14) of the discharge device (2) on which the connection points (13a-13g) are provided.

5. 2. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical interface comprises rotational fixing means for connecting the dispensing head (3, 3', 3'').

6. 6. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 5, wherein the rotational locking means is a bayonet lock.

7. A beverage preparation device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that each of the connection points (13a to 13g) is provided with a sealing portion.

8. 2. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge device (2) comprises a heater (25) for heating the discharge device (2) and the discharge head (3, 3', 3") connected to the discharge device.

9. 2. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing head (3, 3', 3") is provided with a contactlessly readable identifier (26) identifying a type of beverage that can be dispensed via the dispensing head (3, 3', 3"), and the dispensing device (2) has a reader (27) for reading the identifier (26).

10. 10. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 9, further comprising a control means and a user interface (4) connected to said control means by signal technology, wherein different beverages and beverage variations are selectable via said user interface, said control means being configured to effect an automatic delivery of the selected beverage or selected beverage variant by said beverage preparation machine, said control means cooperating with said reader (27) via said user interface (4) in response to said identifier (26) read by said reader (27) to offer as selectable only those beverages or beverage variants which are deliverable by said associated dispensing head (3, 3', 3")

11. 2. The beverage preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge head (3, 3', 3") is constructed in the form of a portafilter, the upper surface of the discharge head being formed by the sealing surface (10) which is closed except for one opening (11a, 11b, 11d, 11g).

12. 2. Beverage preparation machine according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of dispensing heads (3, 3', 3") for different beverages or groups of beverages, interchangeably connected to the dispensing device (2).

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